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Evaluation of Workplace Exposures at a Ceramic Tile Manufacturer
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2019/03/01
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Source: Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, HHE 2018-0163-3344, 2019 Mar
[PDF-1.28 MB]
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Description:The NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a manager at a ceramic tile manufacturer concerned about employees' potential exposures to airborne acids in the ceramic tile production area. The company manager also wondered if these acids were corroding metal surfaces and equipment in the production area. To evaluate these concerns, we observed work processes and ventilation in the tile production areas, and collected full-shift personal and area air samples for various acids
additionally, we evaluated heat stress conditions in the production area. Sulfuric acid was present in all personal and area air samples. All other acids concentrations were either not detected or extremely low. All personal air sample results were well below applicable occupational exposure limits. We found that some ventilation exhaust ducts were too long and had sharp bends that restricted airflow. The kilns exhausted through a capped stack design that impeded airflow. We determined that potential heat stress conditions may sometimes exist during hot weather. The company did not have a written heat stress monitoring, training, or control program. We recommended the company redesign the exhaust ventilation for the gas and electric kilns to eliminate sharp turns and extra length in the exhaust ducts, and replace the capped exhaust stacks with a no-loss cap design. We also recommended the company start a heat stress program that includes seasonal heat stress training, allowing employees to take rest breaks and intake fluids as needed, and encouraging employees to tell their supervisor immediately if they develop any heat-stress symptoms or if they notice any signs or symptoms in their coworkers.
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Pages in Document:24 pdf pages
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Contributor:Booher, Donald E.;Hamilton, Cheryl;Moore, Kevin;Patel, Mihir;Roberts, Jennifer;Tyrawski, Jennifer;
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NIOSHTIC Number:nn:20055205
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NTIS Accession Number:PB2019-100540
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Citation:NIOSH [2019]. Evaluation of workplace exposures at a ceramic tile manufacturer. By Burr G.;Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and;Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2018-0163-3344,;
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Federal Fiscal Year:2019
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Peer Reviewed:False
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